Banana Stock(NEW ORLEANS) -- New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham’s request to be officially declared a wide receiver under the NFL’s franchise tag has been turned down by arbitrator Stephen Burbank. The franchise tag this year for tight ends is $7 million, while the tag for receivers is $12.3 million.

Last season for the Saints, Graham lined up in the slot or out wide on 67 percent of his snaps. In 16 games, he had 86 receptions for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Graham and the NFL Players Association have 10 days to appeal the decision to a three-member appeals panel.

“The NFLPA will review with Jimmy Graham the decision from Arbitrator Stephen Burbank which permits the player to be designated as a tight end for Franchise Tag purposes,” the NFLPA said in a statement. “We will advise Graham of his options and carefully determine next steps in this matter.”